welcome*/*/

[ˈwelkəm] verb [T] I

1) to greet someone in a polite and friendly way when they arrive

My aunt and uncle were waiting at the door to welcome us.[/ex]

2) to say that you approve of something that has happened, or that you are pleased about it

They welcomed the new proposals.[/ex]

II

adj

welcome */[ˈwelkəm]

1) if you are welcome somewhere, people are pleased that you are there

Ant:

unwelcome

Your friends are always welcome here.[/ex]

The neighbours made us feel very welcome.[/ex]

2) if something is welcome, people are happy about it because it is pleasant or because they need it

Ant:

unwelcome

A cold drink would be very welcome.[/ex]

3) if someone tells you that you are welcome to do something, they mean that you are allowed to do it if you want to

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting.[/ex]

You're more than welcome to stay overnight.[/ex]

4) if someone tells you that you are welcome to something, they mean that you can have it or use it, because they do not want it themselves

•

you're welcome — used as a reply to someone who has thanked you[/ex]

III

noun [C/U]

welcome [ˈwelkəm]

an act of welcoming someone to a place

He gave us a warm welcome and invited us to lunch.[/ex]

•

outstay/overstay your welcome — to stay at a place for longer than people want you to be there[/ex]

IV

interjection

welcome [ˈwelkəm]

used for welcoming someone to a place

Welcome to Edinburgh.[/ex]